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After witnessing the introduction of a new full frame DSLR camera, we are comparing the newer model with its older siblings in the ultimate Nikon D810 vs D800/D800E comparison sheet.
Nikon has launched a replacement for both the D800 and D800E. Now there is only one version, it is called D810, and it consists of a model that comes with a new, but similar 36.3-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor to the one found in its forerunners.
The D810 does not have an anti-aliasing filter, so you could say that it resembles the D800E more. Either way, a lot of you may be reluctant to upgrade your camera. This is why Nikon wants to persuade you to upgrade with the help of sample images and videos captured with the D810.
Nevertheless, the official sample photos and videos may also not be enough. In this case, here is a Nikon D810 vs D800/D800E comparison, which shows exactly what has changed in the new DSLR when compared to its predecessors.
Feature compared |
Nikon D810 |
Nikon D800 / D800E |
Sensor and Resolution | ||
---|---|---|
Sensor | 35.9 x 24mm | 35.9 x 24mm |
Resolution | 36.3 MP FX-format CMOS sensor without an Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) |
D800: 36.3 MP FX-format CMOS sensor D800E: 36.3 MP FX-format CMOS sensor includes Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) with anti-aliasing properties removed |
Image Quality | ||
Image Processing Engine | EXPEED 4 30% faster than EXPEED 3 Low noise throughout the range Supports 1080 60p Up to approx. 1200 shots per charge and 40 minutes of video recording |
EXPEED 3 |
ISO Sensitivity Range | 64 to 12,800 Lo1 (ISO 32) to Hi2 (ISO 51,200) |
100-6400 Lo1 (ISO 50) to Hi2 (ISO 25,600) |
File Format | 12-bit and 14-bit NEF (RAW) File support JPEG- fine (approx. 1: 4), normal (approx. 1: 8), basic (approx. 1:16) TIFF (RGB) |
12-bit and 14-bit NEF (RAW) File support JPEG- fine (approx. 1: 4), normal (approx. 1: 8), basic (approx. 1:16)TIFF (RGB) |
RAW SIZE S | 12-bit uncompressed | No |
Picture Control | Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and Flat • Flat Picture Control added: ideal for video capture • Clarity option added to all Picture Control settings • Settings can be changed in 0.25 steps for finer control |
Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape |
Metering System | ||
3D Color Matrix Metering III (91k RGB Sensor) | Yes | Yes |
Advanced Scene Recognition System | Yes Group Area AF added |
Yes |
Highlight Weighted Metering | Yes Ideal for spot/stage lit scenes |
No |
Face-detection analysis for viewfinder shooting | On/Off possible with custom setting | Always On |
White Balance | ||
Spot White Balance when using Live View | Yes | No |
Preset White Balance | 1-6 is possible | 1-3 is possible |
Auto Focus | ||
AF Sensor | Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX | Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX |
Group Area AF | Yes Five AF sensors used as a Group Optimized for subjects located within an area covered by the “Group” |
No |
Dynamic AF Modes | 9/21/51/51 points w/3D Tracking, Group Area AF, Auto Area AF | 9/21/51/51 points w/3D Tracking, Auto Area AF |
Release Modes | ||
Frame Advance Rate | 5 fps in FX/5:4 Crop Mode 6 fps in DX/1.2X Crop Mode 7 fps in DX Crop Mode with MB-D12 with AA batteries |
4 fps with AF/AE 5 fps in 1.2X and DX Crop Mode 6 fps in DX Crop Mode with MB-D12 with AA batteries |
Unlimited Continuous Shooting | Ideal for creating star trails CL and CH Mode: 4-30 second exposures As long as media cards battery life allows (Use third party software to merge images) |
No |
Image Stability Enhancements | ||
Redesigned Sequencer / Balancer Mechanism | Yes Operates in Q (Quiet) or QC (Quiet Continuous Mode) |
No |
Electronic Front-curtain Shutter | Yes Image sensor acts as the front curtain reducing internal vibrations Activated with Custom Settings or when using Live View |
No |
Video | ||
Frame Size and Frame Rate | 1920 x 1080 60/30/24p (including 60p output to an external recorder under limited conditions) |
1920 x 1080 30/24p |
FX and DX Formats | Yes | Yes |
ISO Range | ISO 64 to 12,800 Up to Hi2 |
ISO 100 to 6400 Up to Hi2 |
Simultaneous Recording: Memory Card plus External Recorder | Yes | No |
Selectable Audio Frequency Range | Yes Wide/Voice | No |
Interval Timer Exposure Smoothing | Yes | No |
Time-Lapse Exposure Smoothing | Yes | No |
Number or Images in Time-lapse / Interval Timer Sequences | Up to 9,999 | Up to 999 |
Power Aperture Control using Internal Memory Cards | Yes | No |
Auto ISO in Manual Mode for Smooth Exposure Transitions | Yes | No |
Built-in Stereo Microphone | Yes | No |
One Button Zoom Image Preview | Yes | No |
Highlight Display (Zebra Stripes) in Live View | Yes | No |
LCD Monitor | ||
Size and Resolution | 3.2 inch Approx. 1229k-Dot |
3.0 inch Approx. 921k-Dot |
Live View Functions | Split Screen Display Zoom (Stills) Zebra stripes/Highlight Display (Video) |
No |
Camera Handling | ||
Ergonomics | Deeper Grip i (secondary Info) Button added for faster operation Color Customization for LCD Monitor |
No |
Optical Viewfinder | Improved coatings on optical glass render brighter and more accurate color Organic EL Information display makes it easier to make adjustments under bright/dim conditions |
No |
Full aperture metering during Live View for stills | Yes | No |
Live View – Image Area | Can be selected while in Live View for stills | No |
Battery | One EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-Ion Approx. 1200 shots (in Single-frame mode, based on CIPA Standard) |
One EN-EL15 battery Rechargeable Li-Ion Approx. 900 shots (in Single-frame mode, based on CIPA Standard) |
Another thing worth noting is that both generations are offering support for USB 3.0, which is useful when transferring files to a computer via USB. Furthermore, the D810 and its predecessors come packed with an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot and another one for a CF card.
If you are sold, then you should be aware that the Nikon D810 will begin shipping in late July for a price situated a little under $3,300. The new DSLR can be pre-ordered at the aforementioned price at both Amazon and B&H Photo Video.